The chili cook-off, arts and craft show and silent auction is a tradition with many Hillsdale County residents. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hillsdale High School gymnasium.

With 15-16 cooking booths reserved, Kiwanis member Karl-Rainer Hermann said there is still space available for more contestants for the cook-off.

“We are ready,” he said. “It is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.”

Proceeds from the annual event help to support local youth-oriented activities in the county. Some of those groups include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls State participants and others. Kiwanis also gives out several scholarships to graduating seniors within Hillsdale County.

The 59-member local group also provides dictionaries for third-graders and thesauruses for seventh-graders.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the best chili, people's choice and best booth. Area dignitaries will be on hand to judge the chili. Booth space is $40.

The chili tasting begins at 11:30 a.m. with awards being given out around 2 p.m. Tickets for the chili tasting are three for $1. Admission to the event is free.

The event will also feature several arts and crafts vendors from around the tri-state area. There will also be a silent auction, concessions and door prizes.

“Every member is busy collecting items and donations from businesses and public for the silent auction.” Hermann said. “We have some really interesting items for the silent auction.”

Silent auction items include tool kits, electric items, home decorations, vouchers for local businesses and more.

Hermann said the event is always well-attended by area residents. It also attracts members of other Kiwanis organizations in the district.

The Hillsdale Kiwanis is the only group in the district which has representation at every school level. At the elementary school level the K-Kids club at Bailey Elementary has around 60-80 members; the Builders’ Club is at Davis Middle School, Hillsdale High School has the Key Club and Circle K is at Hillsdale College. The Aktion Club for adults with disabilities is also supported by the Hillsdale Kiwanis.

Last year’s chili cook-off was won by Barrett Insurance Company; judges' choice booth went to County National Bank. People’s choice award went to County National Bank (chili) and the Jonesville Fire Department (booth).

To reserve a space for the chili cook-off contact Lisa Roberts at 437-5560 or Nancy Hastings at 437-7409.